Sand debate !?

[Angel]

Okay so reading in the internet can be overwhelming with the constant battle between wether sand substrate was bad for goldfish. I understand the gas bubbles and cleaning which I'm fine with I clean my tanks every week sometimes do a vac every other day some say that's too clean I say my water parameters are just fine 😊

My real issue and concern is the argument that sand could damage the gills or internally cause issues.

What's the reality of this!?!?!
I just got a 55 gallon and I want to put a very thin! Layer of black rinsed sand. And plan on having maybe 2 goldfish in the tank?


I also have rocks that seem sharp glass rocks. Got them from my grandmother, I have heard debate that these could hurt the fish as well which is why they don't make them anymore ?

[Carl]

You already named the main issue with sand & how to deal with it.
For Goldfish, they root around for food, but usually it is larger pebbles that become a problem with goldfish getting them stuck

Here is a little more:
www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2006/08/aquarium-gravel-which-size.html

Carl

[Angel]

Okay so the sand hurting the gills thing is literally a myth then.

It's just the gas bubbles that are the realistic issue.

Cleaning substrate is never an issue for me I'm constantly poking around arranging my tanks even change them up for hollidays.

A guy told my sand could cause issues with gills or swallowing causing internal issues.

But I thought if swallowed may help the digestive tract ? And I've read some sites that agree then see other sites that say sand is a fish killer 🙄

And as for the rocks do you know anything about these ?
Could I use then with my neon tetras ?

[Carl]

Mar 8, 2018 20:59:34 GMT -5 Angel said:

Okay so the sand hurting the gills thing is literally a myth then.

I've seen no evidence, but then I have not done any experiments or read anything as to this. So I would not pronounce it a myth, rather just no evidence from my experience

But I thought if swallowed may help the digestive tract ? And I've read some sites that agree then see other sites that say sand is a fish killer 🙄

If swallowed, I would have to agree that this COULD be a problem, it certainly would not help (fish do not have gizzards like some birds to grind seeds). This said, I've kept goldfish in sand substrate aquariums and have never witnessed this.

Sharing any articles documenting this could educate us all

And as for the rocks do you know anything about these ?
Could I use then with my neon tetras ?

I've seen similar and with Cory Catfish (& other bottom fish), these can be "Aeomonas infection factories", but a for a mid water swimmer such as a Tetra, not too likely a problem.

Carl